MacBook Neo vs MacBook Pro M4 Max: which is better for gaming?
Compared across 35 Mac games · High preset · no MetalFX
In short
The MacBook Pro M4 Max (Apple M4 Max) is 360% faster on average than the MacBook Neo (Apple A18 Pro): 145 vs 31 FPS at 1080p High across the games both can run. It clears 60 FPS in 34 games versus 0.
It is a different class: the MacBook Pro M4 Max plays at 1440p or Ultra what the MacBook Neo can only run at 1080p Medium or Low.
0 games at 60+ FPS · wins 0 of 35
34 games at 60+ FPS · wins 35 of 35
Average FPS by resolution
| Resolution | MacBook Neo | MacBook Pro M4 Max | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 31FPS | 145FPS | +368 % |
| 1440p | 20FPS | 118FPS | +490 % |
| 4K | 10FPS | 69FPS | +590 % |
Which one for your resolution?
- 1080p: MacBook Pro M4 Max, at 145 FPS on average, smooth.
- 1440p: MacBook Pro M4 Max, at 118 FPS on average, smooth.
- 4K: MacBook Pro M4 Max, at 69 FPS on average, smooth.
Specifications
| MacBook Neo | MacBook Pro M4 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple A18 Pro | Apple M4 Max |
| Generation | A18 Pro | M4 |
| GPU cores | 5 | 32 / 40 |
| Geekbench Metal | 30,584 | 161,219 |
| Unified memory | 8 GB | 36 / 48 / 64 / 128 GB |
| Cooling | Fanless | Fan |
| Gaming score | 8/100 | 44/100 |
| Year | 2026 | 2024 |
Game performance
Estimate1080p · High
The MacGameFPS verdict
Calibrated on real Mac benchmarks, not spec sheets
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M4 Max wins in 35 of 35 games. It is a different class: the MacBook Pro M4 Max plays at 1440p or Ultra what the MacBook Neo can only run at 1080p Medium or Low.
FAQ
Which is better for gaming, the MacBook Neo or the MacBook Pro M4 Max?
The MacBook Pro M4 Max: it wins in 35 of 35 games and is 360% faster on average at 1080p High.
Is upgrading from the MacBook Neo to the MacBook Pro M4 Max worth it for gaming?
It is a different class: the MacBook Pro M4 Max plays at 1440p or Ultra what the MacBook Neo can only run at 1080p Medium or Low.
How big is the FPS gap in Baldur's Gate 3?
At 1080p High, the MacBook Neo gets about 14 FPS and the MacBook Pro M4 Max about 101 FPS.
Which one for 1440p or 4K gaming?
At 1440p the average is 20 vs 118 FPS, and at 4K 10 vs 69 FPS (MacBook Neo vs MacBook Pro M4 Max).
How much memory should I get?
For gaming, 16 GB is the sensible minimum and 24 GB leaves headroom. The MacBook Neo ships with 8 GB and the MacBook Pro M4 Max with 36, 48, 64, 128 GB.
